A Guide to Eyelid Surgery

If you feel that you have an excess amount of skin in your upper eyelid region or possibly are suffering from bags and dark circles under your eyes, eyelid surgery might be for you. Typically the results from an aesthetic eyelid procedure will help you appear more rested and youthful. For individuals with high-stress jobs, you may be a good candidate for this surgery.

Eyelid surgery is also called Blepharoplasty. A Blepharoplasty is performed through external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids, or from the inside surface of the lower eyelid. Initial swelling and bruising take one to two weeks to resolve but at least several months are needed until the final result becomes apparent. Most patients can return to work after one week. Depending upon the scope of the procedure, the operation takes one to three hours to complete.

The anatomy of the eyelids, skin quality, brow position, age, and the adjacent tissues all affect the cosmetic and functional outcomes. Recognition of factors which are known to cause complications such as dry eyes, looseness of the lower lid edge and prominence of the eye relation to the cheek prior to surgery can eliminate problems after surgery. Be sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or an occuloplastic surgeon.